Space Solar Power Review Vol 5 Num 1

penses and the effects of inflation. Also implied is that small installations can provide a few 10s MW of power at the same costs as large installations assuming both are being illuminated by beams of equal intensity. The problems which challenged SPS such as launch costs, organizing large new systems in space, integration problems, limited launch capacity by shuttles or other large scale factors will be of secondary importance for LPS. Because LPS is not highly integrated physically, the associated research and development effort can be reasonable and can focus on a series of progressively larger and more difficult steps. Realistic demonstrations and systems analyses can be readily conducted on Earth. Attention can be given to early use of lunar materials to support major phases of space logistics (provide oxygen in LEO from lunar materials, provide simple components, etc.). Space shuttles can transport transfer rockets, construction equipment, and manned elements to LEO. A suitably designed space station program can create support facilities in LEO and provide needed equipment (transfer rockets, habitats, etc.) for the lunar effort at modest additional expense over a space station designed only for use in LEO. Creation of a seed facility on the moon adequate to demonstrate the emplacement and beaming of several hundred MW in a year should be less costly than Apollo in current dollars. Most of the expense of the Lunar Power System would be on Earth for the construction of rectennas. Those could be built sequentially as power transmission capacity off the moon increased. Extremely long investment times would not

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